Atopic Dermatitis: Exams And Tests

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Exams and Tests

Most cases of atopic dermatitis can be diagnosed from a medical history and a physical exam. You will be asked about your family history of allergic conditions, when the itch first started, and when the rash first appeared. What the rash look likes and where it is located will help your doctor make a diagnosis. Your or your child's condition is more likely to be atopic dermatitis if a parent or brother or sister has an allergic condition (especially asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis).

Allergy testing

Your doctor may recommend allergy testing to identify any factors that are related to atopic dermatitis flares. Allergy testing is most helpful for people with atopic dermatitis who also have respiratory allergies or asthma. Allergy testing can help identify certain allergens. But test results are often false-positive. For more information, see the topic Allergy Tests.

If a specific allergen is thought to trigger your atopic dermatitis, you and your doctor will discuss how to eliminate it from your diet or environment while closely observing and recording your symptoms.

Last updated:	May 05, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC